Washingtonians

[Stumpfarmer]

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Everyone has to decide what they need to do in raising poultry. I also rely on eggs for feed money, so I cull "SOME" older hens each year, and raise some new pullets to replace them. This way, as the hens molt, the new pullets are coming into lay so even though I get less eggs, I still get some. Don't feel bad about your decision CR, if it's the right one for you.

Me, it's my diet and exercise plan whth bonus antidepressant aspects. Or at least it better be, on one egg a day from seven hens.

 

[Totalcolour]

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Two weeks ago we were getting 3 eggs a week from 22 girls - last week we got 15! So, since most of them are on the smallish side, I think the pullets have started. Only one blue egg is big.

I'm sorry about the sleep issues, really can bring a person down.

 

[Cowgirlgrace]

Quote:
Everyone has to decide what they need to do in raising poultry. I also rely on eggs for feed money, so I cull "SOME" older hens each year, and raise some new pullets to replace them. This way, as the hens molt, the new pullets are coming into lay so even though I get less eggs, I still get some. Don't feel bad about your decision CR, if it's the right one for you.

X2. I rely on my layers for funds to get everyone through the winter since my breeders are not under lights. Only my layer flock is under lights but only after they get a break and finish their molt but then they have to get back to work. I say, sorry girls, it's work for food here. This is the first year I have had most my layers go into a molt. They are usually gone as I don't keep them that long. It's a fine line between coming out ahead on these chickens and losing money. I can see keeping chickens a while if they are pets or a fun little backyard flock but on a working farm they have to work for food or they are gone. I consider them lucky. They could have been born a meat chicken, then they would be gone at 6 weeks. Even though they don't get the whole winter off at least they get to live! So lay those eggs girls! Work work work! Plus, they should be grateful they aren't born into a 'factory chicken' home. They actually get let out onto green grass.

 

[Stumpfarmer]

Quote:
Two weeks ago we were getting 3 eggs a week from 22 girls - last week we got 15! So, since most of them are on the smallish side, I think the pullets have started. Only one blue egg is big.

I'm sorry about the sleep issues, really can bring a person down.

I've at least stayed just this side of the level of sleep deprivation that leads to leaving gates open or breaking glassware.

Or deciding to just let the EE chickies loose in the bathroom since that happens at least twice a day anyway.

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

Hey guys! Just checking in....I'm still alive!

But I've got a very bad cold (so does Audrey!)

She's growing like a weed--almost 14lbs at her last visit (last Monday) and 25" long! She's getting more & more personality every day and for the most part is a pretty happy baby.

I'm still looking for a female Sebastopol goose, a bantam SLW roo and bantam coops.

DH started his online master's program with WGU on the 1st. WOW....25+ hours a week (on top of his 40+ hour a week job)--which basically means I have Audrey from the minute I get home until she goes to bed at 8pm or so. It also means less home-cooked meals around here and less time for my chickens.

I just listed my last pair of Mille Fleur Cochin bantams for sale in the BST section...I'll ship.

I'm also parting with my Crevecoeur flock, Light & Coronation Sussex, and bantam Houdan.

Other than that...I'm on vacation this week....wanted to go to Portland but it doesn't look like that will happen now...since my parents are both working this week and I have to be back at work next Wednesday so we'd basically just be able to go down for a day or two which is hardly worth the 10+ hour drive (with a baby in the car) and having to stop every few hours for diaper changes & feedings....

Hope everyone is well....PM if you'd like to chat...I don't have much time anymore to scour the threads and try to keep up--especially with this one!

 

[Totalcolour]

Quiet here tonight. 'Tis the season, everyone out shopping methinks. Oh well, guess I could go and start dinner, and pour a glass of vino.

Night all!

 

[Chickielady]

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I agree completely.

Ugh!!!!!!!!! Just waite until it freezes overnight & the critters are IN the trap frozen solid....like ya have to bring it in the house to thaw...........

 

[Chickielady]

Been Steeleheadin' all day, will go out again tomorrow..but I do not think the fish are coming in what with no rain....driest December on record for a long time.

I am collecting Black Java & Buckeye eggs to set in a few days....

Other than that, nothing special going on here.
Still have 4-5 hens JUST STARTING to moult.....in deepest winter, crazy birds.

The coop looks like a bird was murdered every day.

 

[Totalcolour]

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You wouldn't think they had that many feathers, just looking at them. I reckon we got enough feathers this year to make a comforter - pity they aint eider ducks instead of chickens!

 

[Stumpfarmer]

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I agree completely.

Ugh!!!!!!!!! Just waite until it freezes overnight & the critters are IN the trap frozen solid....like ya have to bring it in the house to thaw...........

I had one in rigor mortis in such a position that the trap came up off the ground (the heavy D-cell powered electric one) when I tried to pull it out. Which was unpleasant.

I really miss Zathras; he was murder on rats, but they came back with a roar as soon as he was gone. Stupid coyotes.